Zoot Suits Return to La Jolla

When most people think of the 1940’s they envision a scene from Casablanca: with fedoras, trench coats, and perfect makeup. However, Kristin Brandt now sees Zoot Suits. A graduate of UCSD theater program in La Jolla, Brandt returns to direct the retelling of the infamous 1943 “Zoot Suit Riots.” The San Diego Reparatory Theatre play will be taking place at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza until August 12, 2012.

The tale is based on the Sleepy Lagoon Murder Trial in Los Angeles. The play reenacts the scapegoat-ing of Latin youth who dressed in the so-called “Zoot Suits.” The 175 Pachuco were held in custody for various crimes, and the murder was never solved. Rioting ensued across the city, as the Latin people were enraged at the injustice against their youth. Luis Valdez was the first the write the script for this play, which became the first Chicano play on Broadway, in 1979.

The actors of “Zoot Suit Riots” portray the racial tension. The dancing and music are both relevant to the progression of the story and the historical aspects of the time. Music is played by a live band, mixing Latin Jazz and 1940s big band into an upbeat accompaniment for the equally vivacious choreography. Javier Valesco, who has produced dances for the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old globe, and the San Diego Reparatory Theatre, writes both the music and the choreography for “Zoot Suit Riots.”

After seeing the contemporary re-telling of the “Zoot Suit Riots” dive deeper into contemporary artistic expression by visiting Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street, in La Jolla. The La Jolla art gallery exhibits urban and lowbrow art by local artists and is open 12-4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Source: http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/07/17/ucsd-alumni-tackle-gritty-swinging-tale-of-zoot-suit-riots/

A Moral Dilemma: La Jolla’s Own Vices and Virtues

The Neon Virtues Light Up the Night

The Stuart Collection has an amazing combination of sculptural works.  One of the more striking, and impossible to ignore, is the bright, blinking neon piece by Bruce Nauman, "Vices and Virtues" (1988), located on the Charles Lee Powell Structural Systems Laboratory on the UCSD campus in La Jolla. 

This slightly minimalist piece is an intriguing combination of opposites. Seven virtues and seven vices are superimposed together in a huge seven-foot frieze around the top of the laboratory. Each word is a blend of two different colors created, in total, with nearly a mile of neon tubing. Faith/Lust, Hope/Envy, Charity/Sloth, Prudence/Pride, Justice/Avarice, Temperance/Gluttony, and Fortitude/Anger are paired in this thought provoking work.  Each word in a pairing flashes at a different rate, allowing for the words to be seen singularly and occasionally overlapping. The grouping of each vice and virtue invites the viewer to contemplate the relationships between the words and the meaning. The intrigue continues with the thought that this complex moral imagery is generated from mechanical algorithms. The bright neon lights are so vivid against the plain industrial building on which they are mounted. Six stories up, the words are easy to read, day or night, and from a considerable distance.

The change of vice and virtue is a constant reminder to all viewers of the daily moral struggles every person undergoes. After viewing "Vices and Virtues," visit ThumbprintGallery on Kline Street, La Jolla, to see more urban artwork by local artists.  Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 12-4pm.

Source: http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/artists/nauman.shtml 

La Jolla Fitness Gurus Share Favorite Workout Playlists

Music has a profound influence on people. It can make us cry, laugh, smile, angry, or dance. Our bodies often have an almost involuntary reaction to music; like when you find yourself nodding along to a song on the radio. Music can also increase stamina and amplify the bodies’ output during workouts. The right song can help the body maintain tempo when running, make one cycle faster on the bike, and boost endurance. Some of the top fitness instructors from La Jolla, California, have come together and revealed their favorite songs that help them push their workouts to the max. Here are Ray Wetterlund III, Corey Spangler, Armone Sullivan, and Omar Ajou’s top workout songs:

"Eye of The Tiger" by Survivor
"Sexy and I Know" It by LMFAO
"Bring Em Out" by T.I.
"Ready to Go" by Republica
"Stronger" by Kanye West
"Can't Stop Me (Tiesto Remix)" by Afrojack & Shermanology
"The Night Out (Maison & Dragen Remix)" by Martin Solveig
"Wide Awake (Dyro Club Mix)" by Katy Perry
"Dani California (Manic Focus Remix)" by Manic Focus
"Reasons Featuring Andrew Allen (Original Mix)" by Project 46
"Work Hard, Play Hard" by Wiz Khalifa
"Fire Starter" by Prodigy
"Where Have You Been?" by Rihanna
"The Presets" by Girl and the Seaby
"Power" by Kanye West
"Lose Yourself" by Eminem
"Ghosts N Stuff" by Deadmau5
"Breaking the Habit" by Linkin Park
"Feel So Close (Nero Remix)" by Calvin Harris
"‘Till I Collapse" by Eminem.

After your power run on the sands of La Jolla, rocking out to some high-energy music, cool down at Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street, with some local contemporary urban art. The gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Source: http://lajolla.patch.com/articles/moving-to-the-music-the-perfect-summer-2012-playlist-workout-running-gym-mix

La Jolla Gets a 'Bite' of The East Coast

Boston: the word itself brings to mind a myriad of images and sensations. The Boston Tea Party, Colonial America, a major financial center, fine art, and amazing food are some of things people associate with the city of Boston. A little bit of it, the food to be exact, has found it’s way to the west coast, and imbedded itself in San Diego. Bite of Boston, is a family owned submarine shop serving traditional New England fare. They first opened shop in Rancho Bernardo, and have more recently opened a branch in La Jolla, University City, a few months ago.

Bite of Boston serves all of their sandwiches on New England breads and rolls. They’re made in Massachusetts and shipped to San Diego specifically for Robert Major, the owner of Bite of Boston. Along with all natural, Philadelphia cold cuts and meats, the shop also offers mouthwatering chowders and soups. A specialty of the shop is the Lobster Roll. Twice a week, 200 pounds of fresh lobster is flown in from Maine for these signature sandwiches. Giant lumps of lobster meat are mixes with spices, celery, and mayonnaise and served on a buttered and grilled roll. They are to die for. Pair that with a cup of steaming New England style clam chowder and you would think you had magically been sent to the East Coast for lunch.

Before heading to University City for a delicious Bite of Boston meal, work up your appetite by visiting Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street, which is also in La Jolla. The La Jolla art gallery showcases local contemporary urban and lowbrow artists and is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Sources:

http://www.sdnews.com/view/full_story/14706764/article-New-digs--Lobster-rolls?instance=dining
http://www.biteofboston.net/Home_Page.html

Art and Nature Combine in La Jolla's Stuart Collection

The Poetic Tree

Does art mimic nature, or nature mimic art? It is a question often asked rhetorically, and often jokingly, to artists and critics worldwide. Terry Allen, painter, sculptor, musician, and writer played in and around this question with his first out door sculptural piece, "Trees" (1986), commissioned for The Stuart Collection at the University of California, San Diego, in La Jolla.

Allen’s work is a commentary on the loss of trees for the expansion of the university. To make his statement, he encased three eucalyptus trees in lead, essentially preserving them. Two of the threes mingle with other live eucalyptus in a grove between the Geisel Library and Faculty Club. They could go unnoticed if not for the sounds. Allen combines other forms of artistic expression into these two trees: one emits music, the other poetry. The music tree has songs sung by William T. Wiley, Joe Ely, David Byrne, a Thai band, and the Maines Brothers. The poetry tree recites works by Bale Allen, Phillip Levine, Navajo chants, translated Aztec poetry, and other sounds. Some students call the area “The Enchanted Forest.” The third tree stands in the middle of the paved quad in front of the geometrical Geisel Library. The interpretations for this tree are endless. It could be seen as the tree of knowledge. This tree makes no sounds, but stands as though in silent mourning for the trees that have been cut down to make the books that are within the library.

After following the sounds of music and poetry to find the lead encased eucalyptus of Allen’s "Trees," stop by Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street in La Jolla, to see more urban art and lowbrow local art.

Source: http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/artists/allen.shtml 

Theatricality On Display at the La Jolla Playhouse

The La Jolla Playhouse is a quirky, eclectic, and inspiring harbor for contemporary theater. Founded in 1947 by Gregory peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, this not-for-profit theater encourages the progression of theater as an art form.  The Playhouse strives for diversity and audacity at all costs. Its location on the campus of UCSD is an ideal environment for such “progressive” theatrical endeavors.

The Playhouse has garnered more than three hundred honors, including a 1993 Tony Award. It has also been the venue of forty-four world premiers and seven American premiers. Many plays were born at the La Jolla Playhouse, before finding fame on Broadway, including "Jane Eyre," "Dracula, the Musical," "Bonnie and Clyde," "Memphis," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Jersey Boys," and Matthew Broderick’s revival of "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" just to name a few.

Education is another important aspect of the Playhouse. Outreach programs including Young Performers’ Workshop, Summer Conservatory, and internships the Playhouse both teaches, supports, and nurtures the theatrical arts.  They also provide school programs year round teaching children about classic plays like Shakespeare, incorporating theater into existing curriculums, and Guest Artist Workshops. 

Musicals and plays are always under development at the Playhouse. "Hands On a Hardbody," created at the La Jolla Playhouse, is currently headed to Broadway. The most recent play, "Blood and Gifts," has received tremendous reviews from local press. As you book your tickets for the next big thing in theater come and visit the next big thing in lowbrow art and urban art at Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street! 

Source: http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/

SummerFest Returns to La Jolla for the 26th Year

There is something magical about the combination of warm summer nights and beautiful music. The La Jolla Music Society has been bringing these two wonderful elements together since 1986, with the SummerFest. This festival features chamber music from over 70 artists and ensembles from around the world. SummerFest begins on July 31, and runs through August 24th.

Besides bringing spectacular musicians and composers to La Jolla for locals to enjoy, the SummerFest also offers what the Music Society calls “encounters.” Every Thursday during SummerFest, members of the roster will gather for intimate discussions on the process of music composition, the competitive nature of chamber music, and a lecture by leading Schubert scholar, Susan Youens. SummerFest is also a residency for conservatory students. Master classes are held and conducted during the festival by senior artists from SummerFest, culminating in a performance by the students after three weeks.

The La Jolla Music Society also offers open rehearsals. These rare opportunities allow for limited amounts of people to experience a working rehearsal with a behind-the-scenes taste of what happens before the stage lights are turned on.

Before you head to Ellen Browning Scripps Park or the La Jolla Playhouse, warm up your cultural right brain by visiting Thumbprint Gallery, on Kline Street in La Jolla. The gallery features contemporary, lowbrow, and urban art by local artist. Thumbprint is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm (so you won’t miss your 7:30pm concert!).

Sources:
http://www.ljms.org/About-Us/HISTORY/
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Community-Engagement-Activities/
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Community-Engagement-Activities/Open-Rehearsals.html
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Community-Engagement-Activities/Coaching-Workshops.html
http://www.ljms.org/SummerFest-2012-/Performances/

Dinosoul Comes to Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla

Many artists explore the concepts of truth, identity, and spirituality through studying the past. Finding inspiration in history can lead to vast leaps in personal development. One artist, Enosh, takes his own creatures on a journey through prehistoric history to find new characteristics and spirituality. The “Crevice Creeps” are re-imagined into dinosaur cross breeds in search of their identity. Enosh will exhibit this solo show entitled “Dinosoul” at Thumbprint Gallery on July 14th.

Enosh graduated from the Art Institute of California, San Diego, in 2003. He has become an important member of local artists community. Enosh utilizes a variety of mixed media; using different kinds of paint and grounds and surfaces. From mixed paint, spray paint, ink, canvas, stickers, and neighborhood walls, Enosh plays with these combinations to create the effects he desires. Enosh’s work can be seen in many places due to his collaborations with local musicians, event promoters, and freelance work. The Crevice Creeps, the characters Enosh created to engage his viewers, personify the human elements of all humans. With these characters, Enosh endeavors to encourage soulfulness and positivity within people of all ages.

The opening reception for “Dinosoul” will take place on July 14th, 2012 at Thumbprint Gallery, at 920 Kline Street #104 in La Jolla. The event will begin at 5pm and run until 10pm. Complimentary beverages will be available. The reception is open to the public and to all ages. The show will be on exhibit until August 5th.

A Growing Sculptural Collection at UCSD in La Jolla

Collections of art are just that: collections. Most are of a specific genre, or artist, but sometimes they are of a certain medium. In the case of the Stuart Collection in La Jolla, on the UCSD campus, the public art collection contains only  out-door sculpture. Since it’s foundation in 1983, the collection has commissioned eighteen different works.

The Stuart Collection is unique. An agreement was signed in 1982, and renewed in 2003, that makes the entirety of the 1,200-acre university campus fair game for commission sites. The collection seeks to incorporate sculpture in all forms and integrate them into the setting at UCSD. This means that the collection is not housed in a traditional sculpture garden; rather it is spread across the campus, each piece created for a specific site, and the sculptures interact with architecture and landscape. Funding for these pieces comes from many different foundations including the National Endowment for the Arts, The Stuart Foundation, and Friends of the Stuart Collection, and individual donations.  Commissions and projects are submitted to the advisory board of art professionals. The board, with mindfulness of campus life and the university’s goals, helps tailor the project to a particular site on the UCSD campus. 

The collection is a work in constant progress, enriching the UCSD campus with culture and beauty with every addition. The prestige of the Stuart Collection has spread, bringing renown on the artists who created permanent works for it. Viewing all the sculptures in the Stuart Collection requires an observant eye and a stroll throughout the La Jolla campus. To see more contemporary and urban art, stop by Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street. Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays 12-4pm

Source: http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu/about/ 

Ferris New York clothing line founded by La Jolla native

It is rare for a recent high school graduate to become a successful businessman within a year. La Jolla native, Andrew Livingston, is one of these rarities. After graduating from La Jolla High School in 2011, Livingston is now the co-founder of Ferris brand clothing. His new shop opens in Brooklyn, New York, on July 4. Ferris designs hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and custom and vintage inspired clothing.

Livingston and co-founder, Tayler Conlin, began selling their designs online and in consignment shops before discovering that their line was marketable. They also design, and make from scratch, custom garments using the ideas customers give them. Some items include unique, high-quality, custom suits with a vintage flair. Deconstructed vintage clothing allows Livingston and Conlin to give the garments a personalized look. T-shirts are Ferris’s largest retail item. Currently they are designing shirts with processed photographs printed on them.

Livingston began skateboarding and snowboarding at a young age. His growing skill and youth got him a sponsorship from Billabong. Livingston was inspired by the graphic designers at Billabong and turned that inspiration into a career. He is attending Parsons The New School of Design and has plans to attend New York University upon graduation.

Many graphic and contemporary artists had their start in La Jolla, California. To learn more about up and coming local artists drop by Thumbprint Gallery on Kline Street in La Jolla. The venue features contemporary, urban, and lowbrow art. The La Jolla art gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-4pm.

Source:

http://www.lajollalight.com/2012/06/28/la-jolla-native-starts-ferris-clothing-line-in-new-york/